Apple Computer to keep music downloads below a buck

You gotta love a company that has the leverage to successfully negotiate a deal with the music industry's largest players that is actually favorable to consumers.

Last night, Apple Computer announced that it had renewed its agreement to price music downloads at .99 across the board with the four major music labels.

As if there was any doubt as to who is penning this melody, Apple was able to leverage its download dominance despite the protests of Warner Music, Sony BMG, ADS and EMI who claim that the modest one price structure makes it difficult for the companies to make money on music distribution through iTunes.

The new deals will only delay the inevitable showdown between Apple and the labels who desperately await either a second viable electronic distribution product to emerge (monthly subscription services have yet to take off) and gain enough market share so hat the big four music companies can bring some added weight to the bargaining table, or the eventual plateau in iPod sales at Apple which will induce Jobs and company to increase margins on downloads through higher prices.

But until such days, music fans can party like its 99,

99 cents that is.